O'Day 222 trailer needed

[anchorclanker]

Greetings and ahoy. My name is Paul. I am new to the forum, this is my first post, so take it easy on me.

I just became the (hopefully) proud owner of a somewhat neglected 222, and it doesnt have a trailer. The trailer was stolen some years ago. The boat has a slip available until the end of July, but I would like to get the boat out of the water and home where I can address it, clean it, paint it, etc... Its been in the water continuously since at least 2007, and totally un-used and unvisited for at least a year and a half.

I went over today and gained access to the cabin for the first time. It was virtually dry, though I did find a small amount of water in the starboard side bunk storage, but no smells of mustiness. I pulled the motor, an 8 hp sail master and brought it home to get it running and tune it up.

I dont know if I will maintain a slip or not, but if so, it has to be one closer to home. The current marina is on the other end of the lake over 34 miles away. In either case I still need a trailer. I have done some research online, many appear to be common boat trailers with extended vertical posts to attach bunks. What I would like to know, if at all possible, is the basic center of gravity fore/aft, to center the weight slightly ahead the axle, and the depth of the ballast section below the hull. Any and all information that would help me set one up would be of the greatest help.

In other news.... This is my first sailboat. I have only sailed once, over 30 years ago on a little styrofoam job with a centerboard. I had a blast with the boat, and always wanted to buy one, but always made excuses, etc.. This one absolutely fell from heaven into my lap, a deal that simply couldnt be passed up. I obvioulsy need some lessons, terminology study, advice, training, and likely my head examined. But at least I can finally say I own a sailboat. I just need to get it out of the water and bring it home for some TLC.

Paul

 

[Fred Villiard]

There is a sailboat trailer, that might work, in the classified adds gear adds this site.

Fred Villiard

 

[anchorclanker]

Thank you for the quick response. Unfortunately, while that trailer would likely work, its to far out of my price range and too far away. Im in nw arkansas. I have access to several power boat trailers, I was hoping that with some basic numbers I could convert one of those into a proper trailer.

 

[MrUnix]

I have access to several power boat trailers, I was hoping that with some basic numbers I could convert one of those into a proper trailer.

A power boat trailer will work, but it will most likely need to be modified. Power boats have most weight aft, while sailboats are more towards the middle. I've converted several, and it usually involves either moving the winch support or axle (or both) forward to balance it properly. You want a tongue weight that is around 10-15% of the gross weight (boat+trailer). If you do wind up getting one of those trailers close to you, look for one that has bolt on fixtures (axles, winch support, rollers, etc..), not welded, as it will make it much easier to modify.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[anchorclanker]

Thanks brad. Any idea where I can find information on set up? The boats in the water. I cant really hold down a ramp for hours test fitting the boat on a trailer. I need to have some kind of basic set up ready when I get there. Like, if I thought the ballast/keel section hung down "about" a foot, and was "about" a foot wide, that would give me some kind of a starting point. I suppose in the worse case I could swim under it and try to get some measurements.

 

[MrUnix]

Can't help with the measurements, but if you have a marina anywhere close, you could probably find some trailers to get rough measurements from. Any sailboat in that size range with a swing keel will be roughly the same. Then just setup some temporary bunks on your trailer so you can get the boat out of the water. They don't have to be perfect, just enough to get you out and where you want to take the boat. Make them a bit higher than you think you need just to be on the safe side. Once you get the boat moved, you can jack it up and fit the trailer properly.

PS: I just sold a trailer that would have worked perfect for you.. it was originally used to haul a Catalina 22 from Texas to Florida. I got it to replace a rusted out trailer on a power boat I was selling. Picked the thing up for $100 and all it needed was some new carpet and tires Unfortunately, I had to hack and weld it quite a bit to compensate for the weight distribution differences.. which is why I suggest trying to find one that uses bolts instead of welds!

Cheers,
Brad

 

[anchorclanker]

Can't help with the measurements, but if you have a marina anywhere close, you could probably find some trailers to get rough measurements from.
Brad

Thanks Brad. There is a sail boat club across the bay from the marina (probably 15 miles driving, lol) I was going to make a visit and try and do what you suggested. Like you say, it doesnt have to be perfect, just needs to do the job.

The marina its at have no sailboat trailers, and couldnt help with where to locate one. Im sure the club will have some ideas.

For now it can stay at the slip. It appears it may have not left the marina in a very, very long time. Last reg is MO from 05. I do know the owners who owned it in 02/03 had it out for a lot of maintenance, paint, etc.., but not sure if its been out of the water since. I just want to get it out so I can inspect everything.